noun
servitude
A legal right or obligation attached to property.
A servitude gives our neighbors legal access across this property.
Etymology
Latin servitus means slavery or an obligation of service. Property law applies the obligation idea to a burden or right attached to land for another’s benefit.
More examples
- The deed describes a servitude for maintaining the drainage ditch.
- Buyers should check for servitudes before purchasing land.
- This servitude prohibits construction along the riverbank.
Forms
servitude · servitudes
Similar words
- easement
- Usually grants a specific use of another person's land.
- covenant
- Expresses a binding promise, often restricting or requiring property use.
- encumbrance
- Includes broader property burdens, such as liens and mortgages.